Halton Borough Council is accused of building homes too far apart and encouraging 'urban sprawl' by failing to hit a Government density target of at least 30 homes per hectare.

But the local authority has accused watchdog group the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) of getting its facts wrong.

The group claims Halton - together with St Helens - is the North West's worst offender with just 22 homes per hectare in a four-year period from 1999 to 2002.

And the CPRE says Halton had a worst record than in the previous four years when it managed 24 homes per hectare.

However, last week the council hit back, claiming the figures were wrong.

A spokesman said: 'It is un-fortunate the CPRE did not take the time to check with Halton council, as the information given is both misleading and wrong.

'Since the introduction of national targets and density guidance given by the Government, the density level of new housing schemes approved in Halton has far exceeded the minimum target level of 30 dwellings per hectare.'